Jimmy Reed: On Empathy versus Politics

Interviewer: So, all things considered, would you... choose over a nice Republican over a mean liberal?

Jimmy Reed: nodding Absolutely! I care far more about how people treat others than... than what their political leanings or... or political affiliation is. pausing briefly Besides that, I'm not sure if I even consider myself a "liberal". I'm not sure what that word really even means, these days. One might argue that... that spreading love over hate is a... a fundamentally liberal value. However, many I've seen who call themselves "liberals" seem to... disagree with that.

Interviewer: Well, when you put it that way, I guess I can't really argue with that.

Jimmy Reed: I mean, if... if someone thinks that I shouldn't have rights, then... then, yeah, that would be a problem. After all, one person's freedom ends when... when another person's freedom is being... violated. However, those are very extreme examples. When it comes to, uh, political discourse - it is important to consider the concept of... nuance. Don't assume that because someone... doesn't agree with you 100%, that it's a... a personal slight against you.

Interviewer: Yeah, my wife and I definitely have our share of disagreements. I've also been known to disagree with my parents, as well as my own kids. That doesn't mean we don't still love each other.

Jimmy Reed: Yeah, that's exactly it! I mean, usually, I'm not the type of person to get very... political. Although, with the current political situation, that's... a bit hard to ignore, right now. Still, there's no reason why we can't... be kind to one another.